| Index | Hickory | North Carolina | National |
| Average Test Scores | 47% | 43% | 48% |
| Student/Teacher ratio | 14:1 | 15:1 | 16:1 |
| Total public schools | 17 | 1,895 | 79,221 |
| Total private schools | 6 | 510 | 24,874 |
| Total post-secondary schools | 2 | 183 | 7,963 |
| Index | Hickory | North Carolina | National |
| Completed 8th grade | 82.7% | 83.4% | 84.3% |
| Completed high school | 81.8% | 81.9% | 83.0% |
| Completed some college | 60.7% | 59.9% | 59.4% |
| Completed associate degree | 41.1% | 38.1% | 38.5% |
| Completed bachelors | 31.8% | 29.0% | 30.3% |
| Completed masters | 11.7% | 10.2% | 11.5% |
| Completed professional degree | 3.7% | 2.9% | 3.3% |
| Completed doctorate | 1.1% | 1.3% | 1.3% |
There are a total of 17 public schools, 6 private schools and 2 post-secondary schools in Hickory. Using the proficiency score averages, the average test scores for Hickory, NC schools is 47%. The average student to teacher ratio is 14:1. In Hickory, NC, an average of 82.7% of students have completed 8th grade and an average of 81.8% have completed high school.
| City | Population | Avg. Test Scores | National Avg. |
| Hudson, NC | 3,713 | 61% | 26.3% |
| Taylorsville, NC | 2,146 | 56% | 16.9% |
| Valdese, NC | 4,420 | 53% | 9.4% |
| Connelly Springs, NC | 2,272 | 51% | 7.0% |
| Catawba, NC | 588 | 50% | 3.6% |
| Hickory, NC | 41,067 | 47% | 1.6% |
| City | Population | Avg. Test Scores | National Avg. |
| Oviedo, FL | 41,062 | 74% | 54.8% |
| Manassas, VA | 41,038 | 74% | 54.1% |
| Findlay, OH | 41,098 | 62% | 29.3% |
| Weslaco, TX | 41,103 | 46% | 4.0% |
| Shelton, CT | 41,162 | 67% | 39.1% |
| Hickory, NC | 41,067 | 47% | 1.6% |
Here are the best places to live in North Carolina
See the best places to live in & around Hickory
Check out the 10 safest cities in North Carolina
These are the 10 most affordable cities in North Carolina